Western food in Japan

Wealth, post-WWII policy, and international influences changed the way the Japanese eat. Japan is becoming less of a set of islands unto itself and more like the world's other industrial nation ("Oriental Food"). The Japanese feasted for centuries on refined, lean cuisine with rice, soybeans, pickles, and fish. Now the people embrace Italian pastas, rich French sauces, and fiery Mexican tacos. With the influence of post-war food shortages and U.S. aid programs exporting wheat to Japan, Japanese food became more Westernized. In addition to this, more Japanese food was diffused to Western nations.

Food in Japan is also influenced by American food in two major areas. Fast food typical of that in America is seen today in Japan. According to one America who moved to Japan, "McDonald's is so crowded that the staff use walkie-talkies to guide customers to free tables. Hand motions are similar to those used by airport ground crew signaling planes where to park." However, many of the ingredients that are found at fast food restaurants in America are different from those in Japan due to the availability of these ingredients due to shortages or costs. Also, people have different food preferences which is reflected in the foods served at pizza parlors or fast-food restaurants.

Some links to help better understand food in Japan:

This link describes American Food in Japan (especially chain restaurants, fast-food, and pizza like that in America).
See this link for some interesting Pizza toppings seen in Japan.
This link is another Japanese Pizza Page
This link describes McDonald's in Japan
This link is the McDonald's in Japan web site